What about the auto transmission on these? Are they timebombs? I know it's almost blasphemy to have an auto in an M3, but there is a sedan near me for a great price that would make an excellent daily driver.
These are the price ranges I'm seeing on the E36 M3s. Note that these prices aren't necessarily where these cars are listed, but where they sell:
- 3-5K - usually early model cars (especially '95s), typically high mileage or pretty big issues (cosmetic or mechanical). Think ratty M3 and you're there...
- 5-8K - typically decent cars with either higher mileage or some items that need addressing. Interiors/exteriors can be pretty rough in this range, but it's hit or miss. You may be able to get a car that's good cosmetically with solid maintenance but high miles (think 200K+) in this range. This is probably the sweet spot if you're going to modify the car for track use.
- 8-10k - cars in this range may have one or two minor issues, but should generally be in very good shape, inside and out. Most (if not all) maintenance should be current. Typically cars in this range are either very close to stock or have some high-quality modifications. These can make very good drivers and represent a good value because much of the maintenance should be done already to command this price.
- 10k-14k - reserved for later year (especially '99) cars with low-owner, low-mileage, or cars with exclusive options (//M3/4/5, Individual cars, rare colors or color combinations, perfect interiors, hurricane cloth, etc.) These cars should be pretty darn close to perfect, especially in the upper range. You may see some track-focused cars in this range with tons of aftermarket parts, and excellent maintenance. You'll see some nice boosted cars in this range, as well. These are the premium cars, but you're paying a premium for them. In general, I'd be too concerned about hurting my investment to really drive one of these on a regular basis, but YMMV.
- 14k - 20k - reserved for ultra-low mileage (under 60k), generally stock, all but perfect cars, and very well sorted track cars with tons of quality parts, spares, etc. IMHO, these are too nice to really drive on a regular basis.
These ranges aren't perfect, but they should give you a good idea...
